The technology of ink
- Author Gaz Hutchings
- Published November 24, 2015
- Word count 475
There are many variations of ink on the market today, but when it comes down to it, there are really only two different types of ink out there: dye ink and pigment ink. They both have their own properties, strengths and weaknesses. Like most things in life you are often trading off one advantage for another. So what are the differences.
Pigment ink is essentially a waterproof ink that is made to "stick" permanently to paper and run very little, it is sometimes used by tattoo artists, (India ink is a popular type of pigment ink and is one of the oldest kinds of ink in the world). The clear advantage of pigment ink is its water resistance, but as mentioned pigment inks have some downsides. Firstly, pigment inks are more difficult to print and write with because they don't dissolve completely in water, a symptom of their water resistance property. Pigment inks are also very expensive and don't offer the same brightness and colour depth as other types of ink.
Dye ink is the other main type of ink (used in fountain pens and gel pens). Dye ink has been around for about as long as pigment ink, but there are some differences and benefits in its properties. Firstly it is not as permanent as pigment ink, dye ink is easily smeared when wet and it has a higher propensity to fade over time. Dye ink is however generally cheaper than pigment ink it also produces brighter more vibrant colours.
So that’s the differences between the two main types of ink now lets take a look at what that ink has to do. Aside from leaving a mark on some paper or other material, the ink may have to remain unchanged in its cartridge for two years or more. Then when it is used it must withstand the heat and pressure of being shot through a microscopic hole in a print head after being heated suddenly to around 300 degrees C. The ink must then travel the equivalent of a stone falling 200 metres, (and here’s the big ask) hit the paper and not bounce or splash, it must dry instantly and not fade for decades. We obviously demand a lot from our ink these days!
Knowing all of this it’s not surprising that it takes from three to five years to develop one new ink formulation and then there are many thousands of tests it must undergo before it can be made available to buy. Tests for durability and usage, and then tested in all the different printer types, it’s no small feat. It takes teams of highly skilled chemical engineers and process engineers to complete the development of a new ink formula. So next time you print something remember all the science that has gone into performing that simple task.
Think Ink Solutions provide all types of ink for commercial printing including continuous ink delivery systems for wide format applications. Get more information at http://www.thinkinksol.com.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- Automatic Driving Lessons in Glasgow: Your Top FAQs Answered by Autogear Experts
- FAQ Guide: Everything Caledon Homeowners Should Know About Choosing Lighting from Fehmi Lights
- The Evolution of Compact Cinema Cameras: From Studio Rigs to Agile Setups
- Smooth Confidence: The Ultimate Guide to Effective Hair Removal.
- The Natural Path to Stronger Hair, Glowing Skin, and Healthier Nails.
- Smooth Skin Ahead: How to Remove Skin Tags Safely and Naturally.
- Smooth Skin Ahead: Natural Paths to Reducing the Appearance of Scars.
- The Art of Carved Doors: From Rustic Charm to Modern Elegance
- The Pediroller: A Simple Tool with a Profound Impact on Foot Health
- Fading Scars Naturally: How to Restore Smoother, Even-Toned Skin.
- Say Goodbye to Skin Tags Naturally: A Complete Guide to Gentle Removal.
- Refresh Your Home with the Carefree Spirit of Boho Decor
- The Charm of Modern Farmhouse Décor
- Luxury That Lasts: Why Happy Feet Flooring Is a Smart Investment
- The Real Reason Bamboo Pajamas Cost More—And Why GYS Makes Them Worth Every Penny
- Mastering Camera Support: How Precision Fluid Heads Transform Cinematic Movement
- Color Reproduction and Skin Tones — The Real Challenge for Modern Cinema Lenses
- The Use of Electric Callus Removers: A Modern Approach to Foot Care
- Clearer Skin Naturally: The Complete Guide to Safe and Effective Skin Tag Removal.
- Fading Scars Naturally: How to Restore Smoother, Even-Toned Skin.
- Varicose Veins Demystified: From Early Warning Signs to Proven Relief.
- Clearer Days Ahead: How to Effectively Treat and Manage Rosacea Symptoms.
- The Death of Expertise: Navigating the Political Landscape
- Hospitality Meets Worship: Church Carpet That Welcomes
- Using Toe Straighteners to Help Foot Problems
- Emerging technologies shaping the future of digital
- Do Magnetic Eyelashes Actually Work?
- Why Bamboo Pajamas Are Worth It: Comfort, Health, and Sustainability with GYS
- Use of podiatry felt to treat foot problems
- Soothe the Red: Proven Treatments and Everyday Solutions for Rosacea Relief.